Oil painting of a commercial shipping fleet at sea — cable laying vessels and merchant ships in open water, commissioned marine artwork by Gregory Smith
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Commissioned Yacht Paintings

Bespoke oil paintings of the yachts you've sailed, owned, and loved.

A painting of your yacht
as she looks when you're at the helm.

A commissioned painting captures the feeling of being on the water. Not a generic impression of a yacht, but your yacht — accurate in every detail, moored in your favourite anchorage, or heeling to a strong breeze.

Something personal to hang at home, or a perfect gift to the person who shared those days on the water.

For Owners & Sailors

Your yacht painted with accuracy. A personal artwork built from your photographs and your memories of her.

For Builders, Refit Yards & Charter Companies

A statement piece for your office, a handover gift for a new owner, or an original artwork with full reproduction rights for marketing and merchandise.

For Friends & Family

The perfect gift for someone who loves their boat. We'll find the right setting and moment to make it a special present they'll be moved by.

How a Painting is Made

From first pencil marks to finished oil painting — four stages of collaborative process.

Pencil sketch of a commercial vessel — initial drawing stage of a ship painting commission
01

Reference

If you have photographs of the vessel you'd like painted, this is an excellent starting point. I can also research General Arrangement plans and other sources to reconstruct a vessel if you don't have references to hand.

Colour sketch of a merchant ship — compositional study for a commercial shipping painting
02

Sketch

The vessel is drawn accurately from the reference materials. This pencil drawing establishes proportion, perspective, and structural detail before any colour work begins.

Oil painting in progress on an easel — commercial ship artwork being developed in the studio
03

Painting Process

The painting is created over six to eight weeks in traditional oils. I'll send progress images at key stages so you can follow the work as it develops.

Completed oil painting of a commercial vessel, framed and ready for delivery
04

Completed Work

The finished painting is professionally framed, and delivered fully insured worldwide. Ready to hang, designed for your wall.

Your Experience

A straightforward process, clearly communicated. Four key stages from first conversation to painting on your wall.

Discussion

A friendly call or email exchange to discuss what you have in mind. The yacht, the setting, any favourite photographs, and the size that suits. I'm happy to suggest what will work best if you're not sure.

Sketch

Compositional sketches from your photographs and reference material visualise the idea before any paint is committed — adjustments are simple and your input is welcome.

Painting

The painting is created over six to eight weeks in traditional oils. I'll send regular progress images at key stages so you can follow the work as it develops.

Delivery

Professionally framed, and shipped insured to you worldwide. If you need it timed to a birthday, a launch, or a handover — just let me know the date at the start.

Surface & Detail

These are paintings made to be lived with. Built up in layers of oil paint with visible brushwork, genuine texture, and the kind of physical presence that a photograph or print cannot replicate. From the sheen of varnished teak to the translucency of water breaking at the bow — every commission is a one-of-a-kind original.

Close-up detail of an oil painting showing brushwork and surface texture on a commercial ship hull
Close-up detail of oil painting surface quality showing fine maritime detail and impasto brushstrokes
"
Thank you Gregory! I'll contact you in some years with my next boat
Yacht owner, Norway
International Delivery

Works delivered to the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. Fully insured shipping worldwide.

Marine artist Gregory Smith holding a framed oil painting of a motor yacht on the deck of a vessel
About the Artist

Gregory Smith

Gregory Smith is a marine artist based in Southampton. He's spent twelve years developing his practice in oils, but his connection to the maritime world runs deeper after six years working directly in the sector, co-founding a creative company that served yacht builders and marine brands.

That sector experience shapes everything. He understands how boats are built, how they sit in the water, and how a thoughtfully commissioned painting becomes something a client treasures. Every painting is approached with that professional mindset: research thoroughly, get the details right, deliver on time.

A recent client wrote: "I am impressed with the professional way you approached the task, with a desire to get it just right."

He also partners with Compass Models of Hamburg on custom vessel models, offering another layer of support for clients seeking gifts or exhibition pieces.

A large framed oil painting of a commercial ship displayed in a corporate boardroom setting with picture light

Ready to discuss a commission?

Whether it's a gift for someone who loves their boat, a personal piece to remember your best days on the water, or a handover painting for a new build - I'd welcome hearing from you. A photograph and a few words about what you have in mind is all that's needed to start.

Common Questions

What photographs do you need from me?

Ideally a few images showing the yacht from different angles — under sail or at anchor, in good light if possible. Phone photos are absolutely fine. If you don't have much, I can often work with what's available and supplement from class imagery or builder's records.

Can you paint a yacht I no longer own?

Absolutely. If you have old photographs, that's usually plenty to work from, or I can use General Arrangement plans to reconstruct the vessel.

I'm buying this as a gift — can you help me get the details right?

Yes, just tell me the yacht name, type, and any photographs you can find. I'll guide you through the rest and make sure the recipient gets something accurate that they'll recognise immediately as their boat.

Can you work to a deadline?

Yes. Commissions can be timed to birthdays, Christmas, wedding anniversaries, and boat launches. Let me know the date from the start and I'll confirm the timeline before work begins.

Do you paint motor yachts as well as sailing yachts?

Yes — motor yachts, sailing yachts, superyachts, classic boats, racing dinghies. My practice as a marine painter is broad and the principles of painting vessels carry across different types.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Works are professionally packed, fully insured, and delivered worldwide.

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